A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
A nineteenth-century American travels back in time to sixth-century England in this darkly comic social satire. Twain not only ridicules the customs and traditions of this ancient British civilization, but he also criticizes his present day American society, making it unclear as to which group Twain was indicting in this novel.
The "all American" character Hank is arrogant about the advances of his time and provides some "good old American know-how" to improve Camelot and the lives of the people living in it. Throughout the novel, Twain continuously pokes fun at the gullibility of the extremely religious people, from the King to commoners, which he meets during his journey. He becomes "The Boss" simply by using knowledge and skills he had from his more advanced era to come up with different ploys that will fool them into thinking of him as mighty and powerful.
This novel is particularly amusing today, faced as we are with the consequences of misguided American imperialism, US religious right-wing extremism and the unswerving belief in The American Way.
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Reviews
What would happen if a man
What would happen if a man today traveled back in time to the middle ages and superimposed himself on the government? Hank isn't without his flaws; he suffers from a temper and can act irrationally because of it in some cases. However, he's a hilarious and usually kind character that's easy to get attached to. As funny as some encounters can get, there are also some downright shocking moments. Heartbreaking displays are shown throughout the book: families with smallpox left to die, slavery, and incredibly twisted seeming governmental policies. Not only is it gruesome, but it is all considered normal in the sixth century. Although the deplorable state of humanity in that time is only part of the focus of the book, it certainly has a powerful and profound effect. It goes without saying that this book is an absolute delight. It's easily equal to any of Mark Twain's other classics. Hank Morgan should be regarded as one of the great characters: one who's never perfect, but always entertaining.